It’s the time of year for saving money!
Reginald Cyntje – Love
Love is Reginald Cyntje’s second release on his own label. Raised in St Thomas, USVI, his music is blended with calypso, reggae and other Caribbean flavors as well as stellar trumpet work. The whole CD has that basement, after hours jazz club feel to it. Mixed with the music is some of Cyntje’s own poetry spoken in several cuts. Having played with artists such as Amiri Baraka and Martha Reeves, Cyntje shows off his mettle on this CD. Those curious what calypso, reggae and a trumpet sound like should check out Love.
Overall – 9 Sonics – 8
Whether or not David Bach is related to his namesake is unclear but Jazz fans can rejoice that he moved away from his Classical roots. Having become a noted figure in the Baltimore, MD jazz scene, played with B. B. King and performed at the Kennedy Center, this fourth studio release is an absolute triumph. The first track grabs you and the remaining ten tracks don’t let go. Saxophonist Bobby Read not only plays but also offers horn arrangement on two tracks. This CD is highly enjoyable and will be welcomed in any collection.
Overall – 9 Sonics – 9
Despite being influenced by the likes of John Scofield and George Clinton, Futurefun, Littieri’s second release, also has hints of Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix. If there were a Rock and Roll Jazz category this CD would fit nicely. Sometimes smooth, sometimes soulful and sometimes harkening that other Texas group, namely ZZ Top, this Texan knows his way around an axe. All selections were written, produced and arranged by Lettieri.
Overall – 8 Sonics – 8
George Bouchard- Listen To Your Dreams
If you’ve ever heard the saying “those that can’t, teach,” you shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that it applies to George Bouchard. An educator with a Masters in Composition, Bouchard has spent most of his thirty year teaching career traveling the world in the summer months playing jazz. “Dreams,” is his fourth release of all original compositions and he also composed and arranged all tracks. This is a very enjoyable ride.
Overall – 8 Sonics – 8
Foreign Motion – In Flight
From the cold environs of Minneapolis, MN comes In Flight, the latest studio release from Foreign Motion. With only guitar, drums, keyboards and bass come thirteen tracks of complex and highly enjoyable music. Having played with such prominent artists like Acoustic Alchemy, Bootsy Collins and NBC’s “The Voice,” these talented musicians weave complex melodies while maintaining a certain simplicity. The fast paced track “Pass The Plate” was my favorite.
Overall – 8 Sonics – 9
Read Page Two for More Reviews
]]>
Sue Maskaleris- Bring Nothing But Your Heart
Between looking at the cover art and listening to all twelve tracks, the Brazilian and Latin influence is evident throughout this CD. Maskaleris is hugely talented and wrote all the music and lyrics, co-engineered the CD, played keyboards, violins, electric bass, percussion and did all the arrangements. The second track, The Big Tiri (Greek for cheese) is recognition of her Greek heritage and her Father – his nickname is The Big Tiri. Listening to this CD gives you the feeling of being on a beach somewhere in the South Pacific, so sit back and enjoy.
Overall – 8 Sonics – 8
